Crafting Paper Wedding Lanterns: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding decorations can be expensive, but you can save money by making your own paper lanterns. Paper lanterns are a great way to add a whimsical and dreamy touch to your wedding decor. In this article, we will show you how to make paper lanterns using simple materials and techniques. So, whether you are planning a grand wedding or an intimate ceremony, read on to learn how to create beautiful paper lanterns that will impress your guests and make your special day even more magical.

Choose your paper

The type of paper you choose for your wedding paper lantern is important. You could use plain old printer paper, but it won't be sturdy enough and will likely rip.

Cardstock is a good option, but make sure it's not too thick—you need to find the right balance between rigidity and foldability. You want your paper to be easy to work with and manipulate into the shape you desire.

Rice paper is another option and will give your lantern a nice, soft glow when illuminated. If you go for rice paper, make sure to tear it into 1-inch strips before you start. The colour of the rice paper you choose will be the colour of your lantern, so choose wisely!

If you want to get really creative, you could try making your own paper mache from flour and water. This option is a little more hands-on and messy but will give your lantern a unique, handmade look and feel.

Finally, if you're going for a more natural, rustic look, you could use pressed flowers or leaves to decorate your lantern.

Make paper mache

Paper mache is a fun and easy way to create a hard material that can be used as a base for various arts and crafts, such as sculptures, fruit bowls, puppets, and dolls, and even wedding decorations. Here is a step-by-step guide to making paper mache:

Step 1: Clear Your Workspace and Gather Materials

Paper mache can be a messy process, so it is important to cover your work area with newspaper or other scrap material. For this project, you will need the following materials:

• A bowl or large container
• Flour, wallpaper powder/paste, or white glue
• Newspaper or other paper strips
• Water
• A surface to papier-mâché (e.g., a balloon, cardboard, or a moulded figure)

Step 2: Prepare the Paper Strips

Tear the newspaper or other paper into long strips. The ideal width is around one inch (2.5 cm), but the size can vary depending on your project. You will need enough strips to cover your form multiple times. Tearing the paper creates a smoother edge than cutting with scissors.

Step 3: Choose and Prepare Your Papier-Mâché Mixture

There are several options for creating the papier-mâché mixture:

• Glue Mixture: Mix two parts white glue with one part water in a bowl.
• Flour Mixture: Combine one part flour with one part water. This mixture is more susceptible to mould, so use it with caution.
• Wallpaper Powder: Mix two parts wallpaper powder with one part water. This method creates a long-lasting result.

Blend your chosen mixture until it forms a smooth consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding more adhesive or water as needed.

Step 4: Dip the Paper Strips

Dip a strip of paper into the mixture, allowing it to become saturated. Remove any excess mixture by running the strip between your fingers and holding it over the bowl to drip off any excess.

Step 5: Apply the Strips to Your Form

Lay the saturated strip over your form, smoothing it out with your fingers or a paintbrush. Aim for a smooth surface, especially if you plan to paint or decorate your creation later. Repeat this process until the entire form is covered with a layer of strips. Let this layer dry completely, which may take up to 24 hours.

Step 6: Apply Additional Layers

Once the first layer is dry, apply a second layer of strips in the opposite direction of the first layer. For example, if your first layer was horizontal, apply the second layer vertically. This will help strengthen your creation. Let the second layer dry completely.

Repeat this process until you have at least three layers of paper strips. Each layer should be allowed to dry completely before adding the next.

Step 7: Finishing Touches and Decorating

Once you have applied all the layers and they are dry, your paper mache creation is ready for finishing touches. You can paint or decorate it as desired. If you wish to add smaller details, you can use a pulp recipe, which can be moulded like clay.

Cover balloons

To make a paper lantern, you'll need to blow up a balloon to your desired lantern size. Place the balloon in a bowl with the knotted end facing down, and draw a line around the balloon to guide how much surface area your paper mache will need to cover.

For the paper mache, you'll want to combine one part water with one part flour and stir until the mixture is smooth. Cut or tear your tissue paper or rice paper into strips about 1 inch long. Dip the strips into the paper mache mixture, wiping off any excess with your fingers, and apply them to the balloon. Criss-cross the strips and apply them in different directions for added strength. Aim for at least three layers of paper and paper mache. Make sure to pay extra attention to the area that will make up the rim of the lantern, as this needs to be strong enough to support the wire for hanging.

Once you've finished covering the balloon, leave it to dry for about 24 hours. After it's dry, pop the balloon with a needle and cut a hole into the top of the paper mache structure. Now you can add lights and hanging hardware.

Decorate the lanterns

Now that you have made your paper lanterns, it's time to decorate them! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose a Colour Scheme

If you already have a specific theme or colour palette in mind for your wedding, such as nautical, boho, pastel or neutral, choose a colour for your lanterns that will complement this. You could also match the colour of your lanterns to other details of the wedding, such as floral arrangements or stationery. However, don't stress too much about the exact shade—the finish will vary depending on the luminosity of your venue, and the general feeling will still match your wedding colour palette. If in doubt, white is always a good choice and will create an elegant look.

Add Some Lights

To make your lanterns even more magical, add some lights! You can use LED fairy lights or LED tea lights to illuminate them. Just make sure you don't use real candles—battery-powered lights are the safest option for paper lanterns. If you're using fairy lights, wrap the strand around your hand to create a tube shape before feeding it up through the lantern. You can also add some Zots (glue dots) to adhere the battery pack to the underside of the lantern.

Create a Chandelier

If you want to create a stunning visual centrepiece, try making a paper lantern chandelier. You can do this by hanging your lanterns from a piece of baker's twine. This will create a dreamy, fancy, and magical effect for your wedding.

Pressed Flowers

Another way to decorate your lanterns is by using pressed flowers. After creating your lanterns, paint on a thick layer of mod podge, then stick your chosen flowers on top. Once they're in place, paint another layer of mod podge over the top to hold them securely in place.

String Them Up

Finally, don't forget to hang your lanterns! You can hang them from a hook or piece of string or twine, or carry them by hand if you're taking them on a nighttime walk. They will look beautiful hung indoors or outdoors, adding a whimsical and magical touch to your wedding.

Add lights

Now that your paper lantern is ready, it's time to illuminate it! You can choose from a variety of lighting options to create a magical atmosphere. Here are some popular choices:

• LED Fairy Lights: These lights are a safe and popular choice for paper lanterns. They can be easily found in stores or online. Battery-powered LED fairy lights are convenient and allow you to place your lantern anywhere without worrying about an electrical outlet. You can hide the battery pack underneath the lantern, making sure to keep the switch accessible.
• LED Tea Lights: Remote-controlled or battery-operated LED tea lights are another excellent option. They provide a warm and inviting glow to your lantern. Ensure that the tea lights are specifically designed for use in paper lanterns.
• Flameless Candles: Flameless candles, often LED-based, are a safe alternative to real flames. They can be placed inside the lantern to create a cosy ambiance.
• LED Lantern Light Kits: If you want your paper lantern to shine brightly, consider investing in an LED lantern light kit. These kits are designed specifically for paper lanterns and will provide a modern twist to your decor.
• String Lights: For a whimsical touch, you can use string lights, such as fairy wire string lights or classic Christmas string lights. These lights can be wrapped around the lantern or hung alongside it, creating a sparkling display.
• Electric Bulbs: If you're using a larger paper lantern, you may consider using electric bulbs. However, it's crucial to follow the recommended wattage and bulb type specified for your lantern to ensure safety.

When adding lights to your paper lantern, always prioritise safety. Never use real candles or open flames, as they pose a fire hazard. Additionally, be mindful of the heat generated by electric lights to avoid any potential fire risks or damage to your lantern.

With the right lighting, your paper lantern will shine brightly and create a memorable display at your wedding or any special event.

Frequently asked questions